Famous fights

This is my original copy of boxing newspaper Famous Fights: Past and Present. The paper ran from 1901 to 1904 and is eagerly sought by collectors and historians alike.

On the front cover of this copy is a fight between Frank Slavin and Jem Smith. Although the condition of this copy isn't perfect, it is complete. like much of my collection, I am unsure of its value so would be interested in any comments you might have about this.

The Big Fight - Howard Winstone v Vicente Saldivar

This copy of the Big Fight was a souvenir  from the South Wales Echo commemorating the June 67 rematch between Merthyr Tydfil boxer Howard Winstone and Cuban fighter Vicente Saldivar.

Saldivar dropped him in the 14th, but most still thought Winstone had done enough to win.

There was an outcry when referee Wally Thom, an old adversary of Eddie Thomas, raised the Mexican's hand in victory.

You can more details of the fight as well as Winstone's career here

Ex Butcher Frazier Chops Down Clay Legend

This copy of the Evening Herald from March 9 1971 reports the "Battle of the Century" between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.


Was Ali-Frazier I the best action fight of all time? I would have to say no but for sheer anticipation, drama and excitement, this fight was the whole package. You had movie star Burt Lancaster as a commentator and Frank Sinatra as a photographer. Each boxer would receive $2.5 million for their nights work. That was an unheard sum of money for one fight in 1971. 

Evening News

This copy of the Evening News is from 19 June 1963, the day after Henry Cooper almost stopped the fighter then known as Cassius Clay .

Cooper managed to knock Clay flat on his back at the end of the fourth round, and the fight was eventually stopped in the fifth as Cooper was badly cut around one eye and a TKO was awarded to Clay.

I have several old newspapers in my collection that report on significant events from the world of boxing and I want to keep them in the best condition possible, so if anyone has some tips on the best way to preserve these, please leave me a comment.